Coupling for vacuum systems



Aug. 8, 1950 H. F. BENOIT coUPLING Fox lVACUUM lSYSTEMS Filed May '7, 1947 v lNveN-rol? HENRY F. BENolT ATTOR NEY Patented Aug. 8, 1 950 ,2,518,215" .ooUrLINe non VACJUUMI SYSTEMS Y 9 .Q'lainraf v'lwhisinvention relates toyacuum cleaning devices and relates particularlyto animprovegl hose line connection and .'methgd .olf ynlaking thejsame. Y Oneof thenprincipal yobjects oftheinvention isto provide a novelhoseline connection with VeriQuS emplpyedinracuum systems .and method ofmaknethe seme.

l`Another y obj ect is to provide a hose line conneCtQn.withvarieusxtures empioyedrinvaeuum Systems .Wherebyno' separate bonding meanss empleyed .fer producing said hose line .connections withsaid fixtures and more particularly,nofheateV joinedY .bonding .means .such as solder.V

Another .object is to ,provide .a .flexible hose cnpline .with the .various .xturesfof 'a'..vacnum sys-tem wherein-v the. resiliency. of .theiflexiblez hose. is utilized to retain the hose in cannectedrelae tiolliwithithe.parttowhihjt iscollplelclf.A 4Another object is to .provide arlexible .hose' coupling with thevarious,xtures'ofa vacuur'n` system wherein the hose construction embodies aportion which may be expanded or compressed and in which thisjcharacteristic' is employed in retaining the..eXible hose in connected relation with the part with which it is coupled.

1947;.fs'eria1 No.- 746,437

witha flexible hoseorltubing formed of an en'd-v less .band and an-endless.. resilientstripV spiall'y wound in inter-relation with j'eachl other sozthat thesaid resilient strip. will permitexpansi'n and contraction of the tubing and' the side walls thereof,. with .said vcoupling..embodying a` tubular portion extending within? the flexible `hose oi tulc'y ing-andatubular, portion iittingjover` saidilxible hose ortubing and-.so arranged relative'ito' each other as to..cause a .binding effectsto .be intro'.- duced eitheronthe inside orv .theouts-ide 'fsaid hoseor tubing?. either through compression? vvor expansion of said resilient strip whereby the parts' will; retain their connected relation'with eachf (when rv.

mother object isv to provide meanslfunctioningcooperatively with..ther`above .for introducin'" a' thread-.like .connection between the'flexiblh'ose or tubing and the'gxtureto which 'iti-is' coupled. l r.Qther objects`;and.advantages'of'the invention wilkbecome. apparent from the following descrip-Y tion-,taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and. .it -will bei apparent that =rnany` changesbe;;made in. the Adetails 'of construc-V tiorryarrangenfient oparts and method withoutdeparting-g from the: spirity of the invention as exbgefssedrintheecempehvine lams Ietheree f-Qreedo. 1.1011 Vieh i0 be limitedtO-the exactideteils: ofiellsruetipnarrangement .oiparts and meihd Shown and .described as .the preferred forms only haveibeen givenfbywayof illustration; 'f The Vdevice embodying the invention relates particularly to forming connections lor couplings between agflexiblehose line 'or tubing anda fixture used in vacuum systems whereby the flexible characteristics Qfjthe hose line or tubing is uti'- lized .in retainingjfthe parts in coupled orconlnected relation Ywith .each other. The devicef'is so` .designedthat .the `Vparts .may be' quickly and easilyassembled and yetv will retain al permanent binding connection'with eachother wherebyv no solder connections are required as 'has' been used withprior art type connections.'

.JReferring to the ,drawingsf Fig; 1 .is a;.fragme'ntary side View shownl partially in sectionofone type of coupling connection Qmbudyingthe invention;

.FignZ vis an enlarged fragmentary sectional viewof. a portion oithecoupling.; :l

.Fig-..3,is.a:sectiona1 view taken asfon the line 3+-3:o.fFig. l; y Eier 4 iis a cross-sectional `view o'f form ofxturef Y y Fig. 5 is :a reduced "section'alfview-taken as on linei.'51=..5 of Figf4;and l j Y' Fig; 6fi's` atsectio'n'alv view of a further fixture emfbodyingtheinvention.f y Y "..Referringl to the drawings wherein like characters'o'f reference designatelike parts through,- outthevarious vi'ews, vthe flexible 'hose line ior tubing` forming a" part of the present'invention, as 'shownl best inigs.Y 1 andi 2, 4comprises anendless metal band Thaving! a'fsubstantially -Se'sha'p'ed crossg-secti'on 'spir'fa'llywound with 'its longitudinal edges in overlapping and intertted relation with eachY other andfso shaped as'to encase' a spiral continuouszban'd. of resilientfrnaterialf 8'; vThe bandzi is kpreferably formed of rubber,l synthetic rubbenfor. similar. resilient rnaterial whichlis adapted. to forma seal throughout the length of the rspir'ally wound` band with' the overlapping and; interitted':longitudinalA edges` of the' 'band functioning cooperatively vt-it'l'xvthe resili'ent'b'aridv to len'd iiexibility` to" the hose line'ortubingwhereby, thesaidrhose` line may be'fie'xed Vorf distorted' in' anyjidirection .for L free and unhampered utility thereof. The-hosedin'e' or :tubing'g through'the' resiliency' of A.theierlrdless spirally'wound baniif'o'f resilient materia-1,1 isesuc'h .that its 'diameter' fmay be. varied by. longitudinal Astress''imparted 'onth'e 1 si-,1bir-1efandr isisuchgas. to permit fthe' overlapping povrtipns pi ,the spirally woundV nietal'licband to expand or compress .relative to each' 'other' either under-saidglongitudinali'stress or.' by imparting a.

ja mowed compression force on said hose line or tubing. This characteristic of the hose line or tubing is utilized by applicant to accomplish one of the major advantages of his invention.

In Fig. 1, there is illustrated an intermediate coupling 9 for joining two sections of the hose line or tubing. This coupling embodies an inner tubular member II) and an outer tubular member l I held in spaced relation, with each other by a spacing collar 40. The diameters of the respective tubular members It and I are controlled in size according to the diameter of the hose line or tubular member described above and according to the thickness of the walls of said hose line, that is, the inner tubular member II] is preferably formed to a diameter slightly larger than the internal diameter of the hose line and thel outer tubular member II is preferably formed to a diameter slightly less or smaller than the outside diameter of the hose line with the space between said tubular members ID and II being slightly less than thethickness of the walls of the hose line. This, therefore, requires that the resilient band must be compressed when the end of the hose member is being forced inwardly between the inner and outer tubular members I and II4 and this inward forcing of the end of the hose line between the tubular members It) and II is preferably accomplished by rotating the hose line while exerting a force in a direction inwardly of said tubular members. This causes the inner diameter of the tubular member to be lslightly expanded and the outer diameter of the tubular member to be slightly contracted thereby compressing the spirally wound resilient material which, when the end of the hose line is properly seated between the tubular members Ill and II and the rotation and force is released therefrom, will allow the spirally wound resilient material to tend to' return to its initial set thereby causing an expanding force to be exerted on the opposed spirally wound overlapping sections of the metallic band causing them to impart a frictional binding action on the adjacent side surfaces of the tubular members I and I I.

When a pulling stress is imparted on the hose line, the diameter thereof will tend to contract and this contracting action will further introduce a binding gripping action on the inner tubular member I8 and will function cooperatively with the expanding of the portions of the inner metallic band lying between said tubular members I0 and II to introduce a more positive binding action between said hose line and the tubular members Il) and I I and more positively hold the parts in connected relation with each other.

To further insure this holding action, the outer ends or opposed edges I2 and I3 of the tubular members I and I may be spun inwardly toward the flexible hose line or tubing and during the forcing of said hose line inwardly between the tubular members I0 and II, the spaces between the spirally wound continuous metallic band may be threaded between the converging edges I I and I2 of said tubular members thereby forming a thread-like connection between said hose line and the respective tubular members I0 andY II. This latter thread-like connection, however, is not essential to applicants invention and it is optional whether the said tubular members be provided with the inwardly spun edges I2 and I3 or whether the said edges remain parallel with each other. The thread connection, however, will add to the holding function of the coupling but it has been found by applicant that this binding action 4 is not dependent upon this thread-like connection and will function very efficiently without it.

To provide an inner air seal between the adjacent ends of the hose lines and the collar 40, there may be provided washers I4 and I5 of resilient material such as rubber, artificial rubber, leather or other similar material. This latter feature is not essential to obtain a seal, however, for it has been found that the expanding characteristics of the spirally Wound resilient material 8 functions, in most instances, to provide an adequate seal.

In Figs. 4 and 5, there is shown a slight modication of applicants invention wherein the tubular members I6 and I'I corresponding to thc tubular members Iii and II between which the end of the hose line is forced to connect the same thereto are retained in spaced relation with each other by means of a collar I8 simulating the collar 4|) but, in this instance, one end of said tubular members I6 and I'I, particularly the ends having the collar I8 therebetween is forced inwardly of a fitting I9 by means of which the hose line may be connected to a wall, ceiling or other permanent support 2li with the tubular members I6 and I'I in alignment with a vacuum line 2| formed in said support. The tubular members |G and have a press lit with the hollow bore 22 of the tting I9. Said fitting I9 has a perforated flanged portion 23 through which connecting bolts 24 are extended to connect said ritting with the support 2i). To provide a more positive air seal ofthe fitting |9 with the support 20, there is provided an intermediate ange 25 of resilient material, such as rubber, artificial rubber, leather or other similar material having a sealing effect.

The end of the hose line is adapted to be fitted between the tubular members I6 and I'I as previously described above in connection Withithe showing of Fig. 1. The ends 26 and 2'I ofthe said .tubular members I6 and I I may be spun inwardly toward each other in a manner simulating the ends I2 and I3 to perform the same function.

Inwardly adjacent the collar IB, there may or may not be provided a resilient washer 28 as desired forproviding a more positive air seal with the end of the hose line.

In Fig. 6, there is shown a nozzle coupling which comprises a tubular member 29 having a flange 30 adjacent one end thereof and a reduced tubular-like portion 3| adjacent its opposed end. The tubular-like portion 3| functions in a manner similar to the tube I0 or I6 set forth above. A second tubular member 32 simulating the tubular members II and is secured to the tubular portion 29 in spaced relation with'the portion 3|. The said tubular member 32 is secured to the tubular member 29 as by brazing or the like as illustrated at 33. The outer ends 34 and 35 may be swung inwardly toward each other in a manner similar to the ends I2 and I3 and to perform the same function. Inwardly of the spaced tubular portions 3| and 32, there may be provided a washer of rubber or similar resilient material to function as an air seal and similar to the washers I4 and I5. The nozzle 31 is of the conventional type having a flange portion 38 adapted to seat with the ange 30 and to have a portion 39 adapted to extend within the portion 29 and to be held therein by the force of the vacuum suction. It is to .be Linderstood that the end of the flexible hose line or tubing is to be secured between the tubular pora' Z 2. A device of the character described comprising a flexible hose line embodying spaced wall portions supported for movement toward and away from each other having a compressible and .expandable resilient band therebetween and a nxture embodying spaced substantially concentric -tubular portions coupled with said hose line, with one end of said hose line lying between s aid 'spaced tubular portions, said innertubular portion having a smooth outer surface and being of a diameter slightly greater than the inner diameter of the hose line, said outer tubularportion having an inner smooth surface and being of a diameter slightly less than the outer diameter of the hose line and the space between said substantially concentric tubular portions being fixed and slightly less than the normal distance between the outer and inner surfaces of the spaced wall portions of the hose line, whereby the resilient band between the spaced wall vportions is compressed and the tendency thereof to return to its initial set will cause the inner and 'outersurfaces of the spaced wall portions of the hose line to have .-a friction binding with the adjacent surfaces of the inner and outer tubular portions, said spaced Vtubular portions having a resilient washer therebetween and in engagement with the inner end of the hose line.

3. A device of the character described comprising a flexible hose line embodyingA spaced metallic wall portions supported so as to be movable toward and away from each other having a band of resilient compressible and expandable material therebetween and a fixture em'- bodying spaced substantially concentric tubular portions coupled with said hose line, with one end of said hose line lying between said spaced tubular portions, said inner tubular portion having a smooth outer surface and being of a diameter slightly greater than the inner diameter of the :hose line, said outer tubular portion having an inner smooth surface and being of a diameter slightly less than the outer diameter of the hose line and the space between said substantially concentric tubular portions being fixed 4. A device of the character described com- 'z prising a flexible hose line embodying spaced metallic wall portions having a band of resilient compressible and expandable material therebetween and a xture embodying spaced substantially concentric tubular portions coupled with said hose line, with one end of said hose line lying between said spaced tubular portions, said inner tubular portion having a smooth .outer surface and being of a diameter slightly greater than the inner diameter of the hose line, said outer tubular portion having an inner smooth surface and being of a diameter slightly less than'the outer diameter of the hose line and the space between said substantially concentric tubular portions being xed and slightly less than the normal distance between the outer and inner surfaces of the spaced wall portions of the hose line, wherebythe resilient band between the spaced wall portions is compressed and theitendency thereof lll to returnA toits initial set will cause the inner and outer surfaces of the spaced wall portions of the hose line to have a friction binding with the adjacent surfaces of the inner and outer tubular portions, said spaced tubular portions having a resilient washer therebetween and in engagement with the inner Vend of the hose line.

5. A device of the character described comprising a flexible hose line embodying spirally wound bands having overlapping spaced wall portions havinga spirally wound band of resilient com,-

'pressible and expandable material therebetween and a fixture embodying spaced substantially concentric tubular portions coupled with said hose line, with -one end of said hose line lying 'between said spaced tubular portions, said inner tubular :portion having a smooth outer surface ,e the outer and inner surfaces of the-spaced wall portions of the hose lline, whereby the resilient band between the spaced wall portions is compressed and the tendency thereof to return to its initial set will cause the inner and outer surfaces of the spaced wall portions -of the hose line to have -a friction binding with the adjacent surfaces of the inner and outer tubular portions.

6. A device of the character described comprising a flexible hose line embodying spirally wound bands of a metallic material having overlapping spaced wall portions having a spirally Wound band of resilient compressible and expandable material therebetween and a xture embodying spaced substantially concentric tubular portions coupled with said hose line, with one end of said hose line lying between said spaced tubular portions, said inner tubular portion having a smooth outer surface and being of a diameter slightly greater than the inner diameter of the hose line, said outer `tubular portion having van inner smooth surface and being of a diameter slightly less than the outer diameter of the hose line and the space between said substantially concentric tubular portions beingslightly less than the normalv distance between the vouter and inner surfaces of the spaced wall portions of the hose line, whereby the resilient band between the spaced wall portions is compressed and the tendency thereof to return toits initial set will cause the inner and outer surfaces of the spaced wall portions of the hose line to have a friction binding with the adjacent surfaces of the inner and outer tubular portions, the outer ends of the tubular portions having inturned edge portions threadedly related with the spirally wound wall portions.

'7. A device of the character described comprising a flexible hose line embodying spirally wound bands of solid material having overlapping spaced wall portions movable toward and away from each other having a spirally wound band of resilient expandable and com'pressible material therebetween and a fixture embodying spaced substantially concentric tubular portions coupled with said hose line, with one end of said hose line lying between said spaced tubular portions, said inner tubular portion having a smooth outer surface and. being of a diameter slightly greater than the inner diameter of the hose line, said outertubular portion having an inner smooth surface and being of a diameter slightly less than the outer diameter of the hose line and the space between said substantially concentric tubular portions being fixed and slightly less than the normal distance between the outer and inner surfaces of the spaced wall portions of the hose line, whereby the resilient band between the spaced wall portions is compressed and the tendency thereof to return to its initial set will cause the inner and outer surfaces of the spaced wall portions of the hose line to have a friction binding with the adjacent surfaces of the inner and outer tubular portions, the outer ends of the tubular portions having inturned edge portions threadedly related with the spirally wound wall portions, said spaced tubular portions having a resilient washer therebetween and in engagement with the inner end of the hose line.

8. A device of the character described comprising a flexible hose line embodying spaced wall portions movable toward each other having a band of resilient compressible and expandable material therebetween and a fixture embodying spaced tubular portions having at least one of their ends held in substantially fixed concentric relation with each other by a spacer member lying therebetween and located at a given distance from said ends, said inner tubular portion having a smooth outer surface and being of a diameter slightly greater than the inner diameter of the hose line, said outer tubular portion having an inner smooth surface and being of a diameter slightly less than the outer diameter of the hose line Vand the space between said substantially concentric tubular portions being fixed and slightly less than the normal distance between the outer and inner surfaces of the spaced wall portions of the hose line, whereby the spaced walls are moved toward each other and the resilient band between the spaced wall portions is compressed and the tendency thereof to return to its initial set will cause the inner and outer surfaces of the spaced wall portions of the hose line to have a friction binding with the adjacent surfaces of the inner and outer tubular portions.

9. A device of the character described comprising a hose line embodying spaced wall portions of relatively solid material movable toward and away from each other having a band of ilexible material therebetween and a fixture embodying spaced substantially parallel and concentric tubular portions coupled with said hose line, said inner tubular portion having a smooth outer surface and being of a diameter slightly greater than the inner diameter of the hose line, said outer tubular portion having an inner smooth surface being of a, diameter slightly less than the outer diameter of the hose line and the space between said substantially concentric tubular portions being iixed and slightly less than the normal distance between the outer and inner surfaces cf the spaced wall portions of the hose line.

HENRY F. BENOIT.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,160,944 Muller Nov. 16, 1915 1,272,714 Reinhalter July 16, 1918 1,368,985 Storie Feb. 15, 1921 1,861,403 Wallace May 3, 1932 1,913,198 Geyer June 6, 1933 1,969,203 Gadden et al Aug. '7, 1934 2,019,540 Mascuch Nov. 5, 1935 2,052,448 Golaert Aug. 25, 1936 2,138,946 Trickey Dec. 6, 1938 2,252,299 McCoy Aug. 12, 1941 2,360,159 Peck Oct. 10, 1944 

